As a relatively new co-op employee, the 2024 Texas Lineman’s Rodeo offered an exciting opportunity to learn more about the competition and the job that line crews do every day. Little did I know I would get even more insight into the families of the lineworkers, and how the family bonds give them the strength and support to pursue the career that keeps the power on for all of us.
Each July, co-op and municipal lineworkers from across the state gather at Nolte Island Park in Seguin, TX. Competitors race the clock in a series of events using the same skills they use in the field, and other more seasoned lineworkers serve as judges and coaches.
The rodeo also offers linemen an opportunity to showcase their skills for friends and family who attend, providing a peek into the real day-to-day challenges that they face. This year’s event brought a lot of success for the TVEC team, with individual and team wins in the pole speed climb competition.
“I wish others knew the sacrifices that linemen make. Sometimes, they don’t know what sort of situation they are going into, and neither do we back home,” said Morgan Lathem, wife of Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative Operations Superintendent Josh Lathem.
Family and coworkers made the trip to the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo to support the competitors. Operations Superintendent Josh Lathem, a former lineman rodeo participant, and his family were on hand to see TVEC crews take home several trophies.
Leigh Denney
She recalled the weeks before the rodeo event, when TVEC crews volunteered to assist in restoring damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. “They helped down in swamp bottoms full of snakes and no telling what else, but at the end of the day I know that’s what these guys love to do,” she said.
Surrounded by pecan and oak trees, the open grassy area of Nolte Island is transformed to a competition field with rows of wooden utility poles stretching into the distance. The island is notorious for flooding, so the competition is held in July, which means scorching Texas heat.
By 9 a.m., everyone is sweating as they watch the linemen climb up and down the poles competing in events like hurt man rescue, where they save a life-size mannequin from the top of a pole.
Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative lineworkers combined for several trophy-winning performances at the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo July 19.
Leigh Denney
Blake Pollett, daughter of Zach Pollett and Madeline Jenkins, shows off the trophies Zach won at the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo July 19.
Leigh Denney
By midday, I was cheering on our team while standing beside the wives, children in wagons, and other co-workers. I had to remind myself to capture photos of the guys performing because I was so captivated at the support they had from the sidelines. I could see the excitement in the wives’ eyes, but I could also feel the worry as they watched, knowing that at any moment, they could be hurt.
To wrap up the day, everyone gathers to play corn hole, make dinner of the leftovers from the Barbecue Cook-off, and talk with one another about recent storms or upcoming birthday party plans. The kids run around laughing and playing, decked out in “future lineman” shirts and bows that say, “my daddy is a lineman.”
Seeing the faces behind the men that risk their lives working the lines brought a tear to my eye. Now, when I think about their safety while performing a job, I will also think about their wives, children and parents. I also learned that it was true what they told me—You should make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
